'This, we never imagined…'

We first started campaigning for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi nearly two decades ago.

We did it as long-time Amnesty International supporters and, like so many others, because we were horrified by the brutality of the military and their repressions of basic freedoms.

U2's audience are known for their strong views and impatience for injustice, but this issue seemed off the charts in terms of fan involvement. We did what we could from the stage to raise awareness, but so many of you jumped on this campaign and took it with you wherever you went… To your colleges, your homes, your friends, your governments.

When Aung San Suu Kyi was released, we punched the air.

When she came to Dublin to thank Ireland and Amnesty International, we Irish could not have been more proud.

When her party the NLD won a landslide in the elections and she stood her ground to become de-facto head of the country, an impossible journey seemed to be reaching its destination. We wanted to breathe a sigh of relief, but instead held our breath. She had built her reputation on her refusal to compromise her beliefs (as well as on the personal sacrifice that entailed), but forming a government requires a certain amount of pragmatism. We feared the military's brutality would be quick to show itself again if she overstepped the mark, and while hopeful for progress, we wondered if we would find ourselves once again campaigning for her release.

But what has happened this year, and in particular these past months – this, we never imagined.

Who could have predicted that if more than 600,000 people were fleeing from a brutal army for fear of their lives, the woman who many of us believed would have the clearest and loudest voice on the crisis would go quiet. For these atrocities against the Rohingya people to be happening on her watch blows our minds and breaks our hearts.

On behalf of our audience who campaigned so hard for her, we reached out several times to speak to Aung San Suu Kyi directly about the crisis in her country and the inhumanity being directed at the Rohingya people. We expected to speak to her this week, but it appears this call will now not happen.

So we say to you now what we would have said to her: the violence and terror being visited on the Rohingya people are appalling atrocities and must stop. Aung San Suu Kyi's silence is starting to look a lot like assent. As Martin Luther King said: "The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people." The time has long passed for her to stand up and speak out.

We know that Aung San Suu Kyi has in front of her real complexities that the outside world cannot understand -- but nor should we have to. The complexity of the situation in Myanmar she inherited from her father did not sway her to compromise her ideals back in 1998, nor should it now. At some point, a fragile balancing act becomes a Faustian pact.

We also believe we can't direct our anger solely in her direction. That plays right into the hands of those who are carrying out the violence. Min Aung Hlaing is not a widely recognised name outside Myanmar - it should be. This man is the Commander General in Chief of the Defence Services who answers to no-one when a security threat is declared. While this in no way excuses her silence, Aung San Suu Kyi has no control, constitutional or otherwise, over his actions, and it is he who has authorised and overseen the terrorization of the Rohingya people under the guise of protecting Myanmar from terrorism. Condemning her and ignoring him is a mistake. If this horror of human rights abuses is to stop, and if the long-term conditions for resettlement of the Rohingya people are to ever occur, General Min Aung Hlaing and his military must be just as much the focus of international action and pressure as Aung San Suu Kyi and her civilian government.

The band wanted to thank all of you who have taken action on behalf of Aung San Suu Kyi and Myanmar in the past. We campaigned together for her release in good faith. If you want to campaign again for peace and democracy in Myanmar, and take action to support the Rohingyas, please support Amnesty International's action here.

Adam, Bono, Edge, Larry.

COMMENTS

Dear Bono, the Edge, Adam and Larry Jr. thank you for addressing this issue and making your own statement. Trying to get attention to many causes like you do on a regular basis is better than doing nothing. Many of us- myself included- have learned great deal about many parts of world through your activism . I am sad by this outcome as well- shocked is a better word. As Confucius said," Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall." Time will show how this situation will be resolved. Love and respect always .

Plattsburgh

01 December, 2017

Heartbroken

I hope that the statement by the band provides them the absolution they desperately seek.

Boots

22 November, 2017

Thanks

Thanks for her release, thanks for the anger.

maryamd

20 November, 2017

Thank you

Thank you for sharing our thoughts with us all. We all share your heartbreak, none of us could have foreseen this end to a campaign launched with the best intentions.
Walk On is a beautiful song, may I suggest we rededicate it to the Rohingya people and all the refugees on our planet today fleeing starvation, persecution, and war, may they all Walk On with God to a better place. May we all Walk On and continue to share our voice to speak up for those who cannot.
God Bless you, my brothers! See you on the eXperience tour!
Maryam

stateless_uk

19 November, 2017

thanks for the statement

must be heart breaking for supporting her release and then what's happening
keep up the good work with all the causes

Sparkle723

19 November, 2017

Thank you

I have been thinking about you boys and your thoughts on this horrendous situation, and have only now found this statement.
So thank you for being our voice yet again. What did all the world leaders say to her at the recent conventions in Asia? I hope they put pressure on her. The last few months have been seen even more Rohingya flee. Desperate times are approaching.
May there be a peaceful resolution soon.

mah927

16 November, 2017

Please return the Nobel Peace Aung, you

It is time for the Nobel committee to disavow the peace prize they gave to Aung. She is complicit in this genocide.

jamescoughlan

16 November, 2017

Thanks For Sharing Lads!

Who was to know this would happen, You campaigned in good faith and we stood beside you . We will stand beside you again !!
One Love
Jimi

electricco

16 November, 2017

Bravo U2

Et WALK ON .... pour toujours

Tracy M

15 November, 2017

Thank you for this honest assessment

I am relieved to see the Band's statement with regard to the current situation in the former Burma. My son, who intends to practice human rights law when he finishes law school, has, like his dad and I, been heartbroken by this development and his former hero's silence.

dmway

14 November, 2017

Stick to the music AND the politics, guy

You always kept your fingers on the pulse of both; I, and very many others, love and respect you for it.
This statement had to be made, and I applaud you for doing so. You lobbied for Myanmar and their rightfully-elected leader from "Walk On" in the studio to your live shows for the U2360 tour. In short, you put your blood, sweat, and tears into the cause - you have every legitimate reason to air grievances about Myanmar.
We share your disappointment in the silence from Myanmar in certain quarters, and, along with you, we hope for the observation of simple human decency there.

Ratchet

14 November, 2017

The message

Although a shame, it is not surprising. The message the band projected out and we as fans shouted, is just that.. a message. The new song "Get out of your own way" says it perfectly...
I can sing it to you all night
All night
If I could, I’d make it alright
Alright
Nothing stopping you except what’s inside
I can help you but it’s your fight
Your fight
Fight back
Don’t take it lying down
You gotta bite back
The face of liberty’s starting to crack
She had a plan until she got a smack
In the mouth and it all went south
Like freedom
The slaves are looking for someone to lead them
The master’s looking for someone to need him
The promised land is there for those who need it most
And Lincoln’s ghost said
Get out of your own way
Well said boys!!!

jonno77

14 November, 2017

Thanks for clarifying

Thanks for clarifying your position. It was not good seeing the media coverage of the atrocities. Given U2 were staunch campaigners with massive public shows of support on 360 tour, the silence over these appalling events did not sit easy.
So thanks for clarifying and attempting to use your position to stop the violence.

u2freak74

14 November, 2017

Thanks….

Thank you guys for this statement.
I find it very important that you give your point of the view on the subject. And you have done this! Thanks for that!
I have been a member of Amnesty International for years - and i still am .... because of you guys!
I love you!

yardie

13 November, 2017

Stick to the music lads.

It's a bit like finding peace in Ireland - there'll always be bits of it you get , and bits you don't. I include myself in that. I think you under-estimate the fans that love you for the melody and not necessarily the message. I appreciate there are many more globally that would not share that view.
Good luck with the new album.
Brian.

TTYW72

13 November, 2017

Myanmar crisis

I first learned about Aung San Suu Kyi from the news but was surprised to see how much support she received from U2, then the fans during the 360 tour.
I am disappointed to hear that she is powerless, if so, it was a waste for her party to win. She's impotent as a leader and cannot help the Rohingya people who I would think is also under her leadership? I cannot believe that she is unable to discuss this with Hlaing and try to convince him to discontinue the violence against the Rohingya people.
But I am grateful to Adam, Edge, Bono and Larry for addressing it, because I wondered when a statement would be made. I will always love you guys.

the shev

13 November, 2017

Sad turn of events

So so sad that any doubt should hang over this woman but it doubt is in fact hanging over her

Bidsy1980

13 November, 2017

Government is always unjust.

Jeremiah 10:23, It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his own step......

bonowho

13 November, 2017

The Struggle Continues

I only heard of Aung San Suu Kyi and her country during the .360 tour. I don't consider myself an activist but I did take to action as a result of U2's tribute of her plight.
That being said, I'm thankful that the band has also held her accountable for the current situation and calling her out on her inaction of the struggle of the Rohingya people
I still believe in taking action and supporting injustices in the world for those who need our voice.
Keep on Rockin' the Free World.

MoFo_Mother_Mix

13 November, 2017

My only friend, the end

That's... a kind of "the end of iNNOCENCE". Damn, why eXPERIENCE has to be earn in violence... is this will be the next album? Songs of vIOLENCE ?
It's hard to keep faith in those troubled times, but I WANT TO BElieVE, so I believe in you, I believe for you ! I have a vision, television !
U2 is still a beacon for me, so if you walk away, I will follow.
See you soon for the european eXPERIENCE + iNNOCENCE Tour.
And thank you.

shule

13 November, 2017

Walk on

i guess we won't be hearing this one for a while...

dermo

13 November, 2017

The World needs to act but probably won'

I have just watched Alex Crawfords distressing report on Sky News about the plight of the Rohingya people of Myanmar. World leaders need to watch this report and take action. Sadly past experience has shown that if/when they do eventually take action it will be too little too late.

merelo

12 November, 2017

Thank You

I appreciate your statement to us. I have been hoping that the band would be able to speak with Ang San Suu Kyi and perhaps have some positive influence; thank you for your efforts to do so. I continue to support you and Amnesty as you work for peace and justice.

lassche

12 November, 2017

U2&WE? Are for an PEACE-Full World;

Stop this regime against Inocent people who live under very very bad conditions.
I saw teribile things on the Dutch television, this HAS to stop. Stop!
The UN has to come in Action, take your responsibilty!
Walk on mrs. Aung San Su Kiy, We? are underway with U2 to your country!
Hold on!
Love and Light,
Detlev Lassche, the Vertigo Hunter.
Miss You Sugar. .. ... ....

ghawkins

12 November, 2017

Relief

I'm pleased to see this statement by the band. Of course everyone was right to campaign for Ms Suu Kyi's release for all those years, and she is not solely in control of the country, but something now has to be done. The silence is deafening from her and her representatives, and this does indeed look like tactic assent to what is happening. I'm sure the situation is more complex than we realise, as government always is, but now is time to increase the international pressure on both the government and the military in Myanmar. This persecution and humanitarian crisis needs to be resolved and the Rohingyas need to be allowed to return to their homes in safety, and with a guarantee of full citizenship, both nominally and practically.

sarahlouisecastree

12 November, 2017

thank you U2

Thank you U2 for the powerful message and for clarifying its position on this sensitive issue. Let's hope Auang San Suu Kyi will find her voice again soon and the violence and brutality will stop, everywhere.

saadistic

12 November, 2017

Better late than never

I'm relieved the band finally decided to weigh in on the situation. I cringe every time I think about being a part of the 360 tour and watching on as a crowd of people marched on stage wearing Aung San Suu Kyi masks with a video of her preaching against violence and hate playing in the background.
Honest Abe's wise words come to mind: "nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power"

U23dlive

12 November, 2017

'THIS, WE NEVER IMAGINED…'

Go on guys we believe in u2

beli

11 November, 2017

Thank you

Hi,
Thank you for making a public statement on these important issues. The Rohingya situation is truely appalling. I’ve visited Bangladesh a few years ago, before this situation amped up into the masacre it’s turning into. I spoke to a politician who was very much of the option that the Rohingya are a Burmese problem, not for Bangladeshis to worry about. It seem politicians in Myanmar feel the opposite - it’s a Bangladesh problem. Everyone’s doing the “not my problem” hot potato dance and not many appear to care that our brothers and sisters are being murdered or are fleeing their homes in search of peace.
It’s 2017! We shouldn’t still be arguing like children “I’m not touching it. You touch it”.
Thank you for making a public statement. Hopefully a few more loud voices will join in and Myanmar may know they are being watched and change their behaviour. Thank you.

pamarojo

11 November, 2017

Freedom For All

It's absolutely horrific and can't begin to imagine the fear these innocent people live in. We need to keep fighting for freedom and peace for all. Thank you for your continued dedication to Amnesty and the Rohingyas.